How to Find LGBTQ Therapy in Philadelphia
Providing Therapy For All Genders and Sexualities
Do you identify as LGBTQ and have a hard time shaking negative beliefs that have been ingrained into your being?
Were you raised in an environment that failed to affirm your identity, making you feel that you had to hide your queer authentic self?
Are you out to your family and friends, but struggling with internalized homophobia or transphobia?
Are you in a polyamorous relationship and need relationship counseling?
Are you questioning your sexuality or gender and want someone who can be especially sensitive to your specific struggles and needs?
We have what you need! We are a team of LGBTQ therapists in Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr and online, that provide affirming therapy for transgender individuals, lesbians, gay people, those who are questioning or identifying as queer, non-conforming, non-binary or anywhere on this spectrum!
As affirming therapists, we know that LGBTQ therapy can be scary to jump into and understand that parts of you may hesitate to find an LGBTQ therapist in Philadelphia. Especially, if you’ve sought out gay therapy in the past, but ended up feeling misunderstood and unwelcomed.
We understand that being a member of the queer community comes with its own unique set of therapy needs.
We are here to help you unpack and process your sexual identity, gender identity, what it means for you and how to love and respect yourself in ways that builds self-esteem, lower anxiety, depression and help cultivate relationships built on respect and healthy boundaries.
And here’s the thing—being in the LGBTQIA community doesn’t mean that therapy or counseling is needed because you identify as gay or queer (although some people do experience internalized homophophia), but because there are many layers to developing an identity and experience of pride that supports your mental health!
Now you might be wondering, okay, but how do I know if is person is an affirming therapist?
Does this individual even specialize in LGBTQ mental health services?
What do I ask or look for when searching for an LGBTQ therapist in Philadelphia?
We got you covered! If you are looking for LGBTQ therapy in Philadelphia or want LGBTQ counseling, here are some questions you can consider asking…
Questions to Ask an LGBTQ Affirming Therapist
Are you a member of the LGBTQIA community?
If yes, why does this matter to you?
If no, how have you shown up as an ally for members of the LGBTQIA community? OR do you have close personal friends or family who identify as LGBTQIA?
How would you describe your experience treating clients who share my [LGBTQIA] identity?
What kind of resources/trainings does your practice offer that correlates and remains up to date with [LGBTQIA] issues so that I can avoid having to educate my provider as much as possible?
What’s your experience like using gender neutral pronouns with clients?
Can you give me some general examples of cases in which you have worked with parents of LGBTQIA youth/young adults?
Are you experienced in working with members of the Kink community?
Are you experienced in working with consensual non-monogamy relationships?
If I need a referral for hormone treatment and or sex reassignment surgery, are you qualified to write a referral letter?
How do you manage meeting and or seeing clients outside of the therapeutic space? (i.e. social settings or LGBTQIA community events?)
How do you create welcoming, safe, and transparent spaces for LGBTQIA clients?
It is also important for LGBTQ affirming therapists to be aware of how intersectionality may show up for LGBTQ people of color.
For LGBTQ People of Color, Here are Some Questions to Ask When Seeking Care
How do you define intersectionality?
What is your experience incorporating a racial equity and anti-racist into your treatment for LGBTQ people of color?
How can you help me navigate trauma related to the oppression I encounter as someone with intersecting identities? [i.e. Black (racial identity) transwoman (LGBTQIA identity)]
How would you describe your experience treating clients who are LGBTQ people of color?
What is your position on the mental health impact of navigating multiple systems of oppression within a therapeutic space?
So, whether you are seeking therapy in Philadelphia for a topic specific to your gender identity or sexual orientation, or for an unrelated matter, all of our therapist at Spilove Psychotherapy have experience working with people of diverse genders and sexualities.
